7 Utterly Bizarre Golden Globes Nominees The Oscars Later Ignored

Every December, various guilds and associations publish their nomination lists, and apart from the occasional deviation here or there and a few swap outs, there’s usually a pretty standard group of films, actors and actresses the choices are pulled from. The SAG nominations, for example, usually match the Oscar picks almost exactly, with maybe one or two places swapped out for reasonable dark horses. The Golden Globes, however, are a complete wild card.

The Hollywood Foreign Press has a long history of playing fast and loose with its picks. Whether because it’s interested in having high profile celebrities in mediocre movies attend the big night or because it wants potential viewers to have actually seen many of the films or because voting members just like throwing some curveballs, there are almost always a few selections no one saw coming. Beyond that, there are always a few selections that don’t even seem to be in the right category. This year is no exception either. From August: Osage County in the comedy/ musical category to Despicable Me 2 for best animated film, the headscratchers abound, but luckily, these weird Golden Globe impulses rarely have a big effect on the Oscar race.

As long of a history the Globes has of not following reason, the Oscars has just as long of a history saying thanks but no thanks to the Globes’ recommendations. So, if you’re terrified about The Croods being honored on Oscar night or worried Kate Winslet will somehow steal a Best Actress slot for a film no one is talking about, rest easy. It’s probably not going to happen.

Let’s take a look back at some of the strangest decisions the Golden Globes made over the past few decades, none of which had any impact whatsoever on the Oscar race.

Glenn Close For Best Actress In 101 Dalmatians

Remember 101 Dalmatians? No, not the 1961 Disney version that people really like. The 1996 live action remake that’s currently sitting at 39% on Rotten Tomatoes. Well, apparently members of the Hollywood Foreign Press loved it because they gifted legendary actress Glenn Close with a nomination for her aggressively mediocre take on the classic villain Cruella de Vil. She lost, thank Dalmatian coats, but that doesn’t change the fact that her honor snubbed out other worthwhile candidates who gave better efforts in movies that were watachable.

The Oscars wound up choosing Frances McDormand, Kristin Scott Thomas, Diane Keaton, Emily Watson and Brenda Blethyn, and Glenn Close was left on the outside looking in. Fortunately for her, she’s been nominated for six Academy Awards; so, it’s not like she needed a hat tip.